Today as I am writing this, there is a part of me that is hesitant. But I must be obedient to the Holy Spirit. I have learned that what I write may not apply to every one that is reading it that day but it is necessary for someone. Take a minute and read Hebrews 5:11 - 6:2. I remember the first time I read these verses. It was in a Sunday school class. It didn't hit me that day but I read it again a few years later and I decided it was time for me to make a change. Let me start by asking you a few questions. 1. How long have you been a Christian? 2. Do you pick up the phone to call someone every time something major is going on in your life? 3. What do you do when that person doesn't answer? 4. Do you get mad when you can get ahold of your Pastor?
As a young Christian I started out on fire for the Lord. It was something new. It made me feel good. I loved how the choir sang. I especially loved that part at the end where the preacher got happy and the older saints began to shout. I had no idea what they were shouting about but it still gave me a good feeling on the inside. But that soon died out. Sometimes the message didn't do anything for me and the preacher was boring. When the older saints starting shouting, I started to think things like it doesn't take all that. Part of the reason for my response was I didn't have any idea what they were shouting about. The extent of my relationship with God was what I received on Sunday. Surprised? Don't be. When I was young I went to church seven days a week and two or three times on Sunday. My parents made me learn entire chapters of the bible. I didn't know what the words meant but I had it memorized. (By the way, I thank them all the time for that today. They were helping to build my foundation.) But now that I was calling all the shots I decided that I needed a break. I remember the years I went to college . I didn't come home much and the only time I went to church was when I needed a home cooked meal. But while I was taking my break, life didn't wait around on me. Things began to happen. I started to experience my own set of trials. One trial in particular was when I became a single mom. While I thank God for the foundation my parents and childhood church had instilled in me, it was about time that I got to know Him a little bit better for myself. It was time for me to move from milk to meat.
Let's talk about going from milk to meat. You see, when you accepted Christ as your personal Savior, He came to live in your heart. You now have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You no longer have to go thru the High Priest, you can talk directly to the Father. You own a Bible. Some of you, like me, own several. You have everything you need to move to solid food. Yet you are still drinking milk. You are relying on others to feed you, like a mother with a newborn child. Why? I cannot answer that for you but take a moment and think about it. Do you not have the desire? Is it that you have other more pressing priorities? You have a husband. A wife. You have children. Your children's extracurricular activities. You have a full-time job. Not to mention you want your own time. So with all that when do you have to time to spend in the Word? When do you have time to spend talking to the Lord and listening for direction? You probably give God a couple of hours on Sunday. You may even go to Bible Study during the week. But that's it. No more than that. Besides isn't it the preachers job to study the Bible and teach it to you. "But Sister Ramona, you say, you don't understand everything that I am going thru right now. It's really tough. I'm doing all I can to hang on." And my response to you would be, "Yes I do." Been there and done that. All the more reason you should want to move to solid food.
You see, I believe that we make time for whatever we feel is important to us. And many of us have not made studying the Word and spending time in communion with God a priority. Especially those of us whose lives seem to be going okay right now. Even some of us in a storm don't realize that you are there because God is trying to get your attention. He misses you. He wishes you talked to Him more. He has some important information that He wants to share with you. He is urging you, like the writer of Hebrews, that the time has come for you to move from spiritual infancy to maturity. It's time to stop letting every storm catch you by surprise. It's time for you to stand up to the devil with the Word of God. I am here to tell you, Spiritual Maturity has its benefits. You don't have to worry as much. You can actually get some sleep. Yes, you are in a storm but because you read in His Word that 'His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.' (Psalms 30:5); you can go to sleep. You've come to keep verses like, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever' (Hebrews 13:8) in your vault. That let's you know that if He did it for the three Hebrew boys who were right in the midst of the fire, He can do it for you. There has been no greater revelation to me than when I sit down to learn first hand from God himself in my personal study time. It encourages me. It gives me the strength that I need to run on and see what the end will be. I don't have to be taught the basics over and over again. I see the big picture. I know that 'my present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for me an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. (II Corinthians 4:17)
I don't know how long you have been a Christian. It is not for me to judge whether you are still an infant or how spiritually mature you are. I did, however, want to give you something to think about. This is a personal decision only you can make. I will tell you that you have everything you need to make the move from milk to solid foods. My last question for you is - Will you make the time?
Dear Lord,
What a word! I confess right off the bat that I did not want to hear this. I know that I have remained safely in my comfort zone. I can tell you several reasons why now is not the time for me to make this move. I have a wonderful Pastor, a great Sunday school teacher. I receive daily words of encouragement in my inbox. But even as I say these words, I realize that nothing is better than me talking to you. It's time for me to grow up Lord. I submit my time to you. No more milk for me. It's time for solid food. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Christian Love
Over and over again in the Bible we are told to love one another. Hebrews 13:1 tells us, 'Continue to love each other with true Christian love'. Christian love? What is that? And how is it different from the type of love we are born with. Or is there a difference? And why does the author tell us to 'continue to love each other'? These are all the questions I had when I read this verse. I could even get to verse two because of all the questions running thru my mind. I encourage you to read the entire thirteenth chapter.
What is Christian love? For me the first thing that popped out from that phrase was the word Christ. Which tells me that you cannot be a Christian without Christ. So in order to best understand Christian love we must understand who Christ is and how did he love. I believe the greatest description of Christ's love was said in John 15:13 which reads, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he would lay down his life for a friend'. Another verse that shows the depth of Christ's love is Romans 5:8. 'But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners'. You see God's love was a sacrificial type of love. The kind of love that showed his main focus was US, not himself. We live in a different day and age where we probably won't have to die for someone else. Nevertheless, there are many different ways that we can demonstrate God's love. Just the other day my heart was so heavy. Not for myself but for a dear friend. I wanted to do whatever I could for that person to take away the pain. Physically there was nothing that I could do. But because of Christ, who lives within me, I knew of one thing I could do and that was to pray. It didn't matter at the time what was going on in my own life. What mattered is that my sister was standing in need. When I think about the pain that Jesus endured on that cross just for me, loving others is the least I can do. And this applies to those we don't know on a first name basis. I did finally move to verse two of Hebrews 13. Which tells us to show hospitality to strangers because we never know when we have entertained angels without our knowledge (my paraphrase) .
I got a little ahead of myself so let me back track for a second and go back to verse one. It still puzzled me about why the writer said 'continue'. Then it clicked. I'll use my own life as an example and when it sounds familiar to you then you can chime in with an Amen. I thought about the last time someone did me wrong and then I saw them at the altar. My first mind was to say, 'They shouldn't be so mean and maybe they wouldn't be going thru that." I thought about the beggar on the street who I passed every day on my way to work, and while I may not be rich I could have spared a few dollars or even given them my lunch that I had just went to pick up. I thought about my own family members who when I became offended I just decided not to them for a while. I thought about the people living in my own house when I believed they had done me wrong and they should be the ones to ask for forgiveness and so I didn't apologize. Heck I didn't even talk to them for several days. Any of this sound familiar. You see, I believe the reason we are told to 'continue' is because in and of ourselves, most days we have an 'if' kind of love. Remember those if/then statements we learned about in school. That's how we operate. If you treat me right then I'll love you. I'll forgive you. I'll be there for you when you are in need. But that's not the kind of love that God showed us. We are instructed to continue because God knew that some days it wouldn't be easy for us to show that kind of love. You see, too many times we let our emotions control us. And most of us never want it to be said that someone took advantage of us.
But I am once again reminded of my Savior who showed His love for me and died a horrible death while I was still a sinner. And then He continues to love me when I mess up daily. I may not do it in my actions. But I know my thoughts and sometimes I'm not right in what I think. So how do we get to the point that it becomes our first nature to show that Christian type of love. We choose to love. All of us have been hurt and have been tempted to say to heck with love. But if you are a Christian then you don't have that option. Remember the Jesus in you may be the only Jesus that someone may see. It is God who lives inside of you and He is able to replace that spirit of bitterness with love. That spirit of unforgiveness with love. That spirit of selfishness with love. Where do you start? Right in your on home. On your job. At church. (Yes I said at church. Unfortunately I have encountered some unloving people at church.) But that's all in the past. I believe the love of Christ is contagious. It only takes a few of to show it to others and for that person to show it to someone else. Will you be that one?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love. It is truly amazing. I admit that I have been guilty of showing if/then love and not Christ-like love. Sometimes I let my emotions control my actions. Occasionally I am known for holding a grudge, throwing a temper tantrum and not helping my neighbor. But Lord I want to do better. I am so thankful for the love you showed me when you sent your son Jesus to die for my sins. I am even more thankful for the love you show me everyday when I fall short. Help me to show love in the ways that I know I can. Help me just to pray for my sister and brother more. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
What is Christian love? For me the first thing that popped out from that phrase was the word Christ. Which tells me that you cannot be a Christian without Christ. So in order to best understand Christian love we must understand who Christ is and how did he love. I believe the greatest description of Christ's love was said in John 15:13 which reads, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he would lay down his life for a friend'. Another verse that shows the depth of Christ's love is Romans 5:8. 'But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners'. You see God's love was a sacrificial type of love. The kind of love that showed his main focus was US, not himself. We live in a different day and age where we probably won't have to die for someone else. Nevertheless, there are many different ways that we can demonstrate God's love. Just the other day my heart was so heavy. Not for myself but for a dear friend. I wanted to do whatever I could for that person to take away the pain. Physically there was nothing that I could do. But because of Christ, who lives within me, I knew of one thing I could do and that was to pray. It didn't matter at the time what was going on in my own life. What mattered is that my sister was standing in need. When I think about the pain that Jesus endured on that cross just for me, loving others is the least I can do. And this applies to those we don't know on a first name basis. I did finally move to verse two of Hebrews 13. Which tells us to show hospitality to strangers because we never know when we have entertained angels without our knowledge (my paraphrase) .
I got a little ahead of myself so let me back track for a second and go back to verse one. It still puzzled me about why the writer said 'continue'. Then it clicked. I'll use my own life as an example and when it sounds familiar to you then you can chime in with an Amen. I thought about the last time someone did me wrong and then I saw them at the altar. My first mind was to say, 'They shouldn't be so mean and maybe they wouldn't be going thru that." I thought about the beggar on the street who I passed every day on my way to work, and while I may not be rich I could have spared a few dollars or even given them my lunch that I had just went to pick up. I thought about my own family members who when I became offended I just decided not to them for a while. I thought about the people living in my own house when I believed they had done me wrong and they should be the ones to ask for forgiveness and so I didn't apologize. Heck I didn't even talk to them for several days. Any of this sound familiar. You see, I believe the reason we are told to 'continue' is because in and of ourselves, most days we have an 'if' kind of love. Remember those if/then statements we learned about in school. That's how we operate. If you treat me right then I'll love you. I'll forgive you. I'll be there for you when you are in need. But that's not the kind of love that God showed us. We are instructed to continue because God knew that some days it wouldn't be easy for us to show that kind of love. You see, too many times we let our emotions control us. And most of us never want it to be said that someone took advantage of us.
But I am once again reminded of my Savior who showed His love for me and died a horrible death while I was still a sinner. And then He continues to love me when I mess up daily. I may not do it in my actions. But I know my thoughts and sometimes I'm not right in what I think. So how do we get to the point that it becomes our first nature to show that Christian type of love. We choose to love. All of us have been hurt and have been tempted to say to heck with love. But if you are a Christian then you don't have that option. Remember the Jesus in you may be the only Jesus that someone may see. It is God who lives inside of you and He is able to replace that spirit of bitterness with love. That spirit of unforgiveness with love. That spirit of selfishness with love. Where do you start? Right in your on home. On your job. At church. (Yes I said at church. Unfortunately I have encountered some unloving people at church.) But that's all in the past. I believe the love of Christ is contagious. It only takes a few of to show it to others and for that person to show it to someone else. Will you be that one?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love. It is truly amazing. I admit that I have been guilty of showing if/then love and not Christ-like love. Sometimes I let my emotions control my actions. Occasionally I am known for holding a grudge, throwing a temper tantrum and not helping my neighbor. But Lord I want to do better. I am so thankful for the love you showed me when you sent your son Jesus to die for my sins. I am even more thankful for the love you show me everyday when I fall short. Help me to show love in the ways that I know I can. Help me just to pray for my sister and brother more. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Rock Solid
There are not too many things that I am 100% sure of. And believe me, I took a moment and really thought about this. At one point I was sure of my job. It came and it went. At another point I was sure of my friends, some of them went. I had a pretty nice truck. It was damaged in a hail storm and now I can't even drive it. I had relationships that I once thought were pretty sturdy. They are also no longer. But there is one thing that I can say is rock solid and that is my relationship with God. I learned a long time ago that His Word will not return void. Out of the same mouth that he promises blessings, he also speaks of curses. The same God that speaks of His mercy will also be passing out judgment. What I am glad about is that even in the midst of judgment when God returns and the heavens and earth are shaken, I need not worry. My salvation is secure. I have built my house on a solid rock. (Matthew 7:24-27) That rock is Jesus.
Read Hebrews 12:25-29. We learn something very important about God in these verses. We have security. We can trust that what God says will come to pass. Living in Oklahoma you don't expect earthquakes. However, a couple of months ago while sitting in my living room, I experienced my first earthquake. This earthquake was not as bad as the ones experienced regularly in California, but it was strong enough to knock a picture off the wall. It was enough to make me a little bit nervous. After it was over I didn't feel so secure. It was nothing like the earthquake that was described in these verses in Hebrews. The one described in Exodus 19:18. The one where God descended upon Mount Sinai to give the law to the children of Israel. And I'm sure it was nothing like the one described in these verses that will happen upon the Lord's return.
Since we know all of this, the question that I pose to you today is then why don't we listen. Why are we not heeding God's warning. We read about what happened to the children of Israel who did not heed the warning and obey the law. While it is clear that we no longer live under the law for we are saved by grace. Nevertheless, we are given clear instructions on how we are supposed to live and what we are supposed to do. All the things that will actually make our life easier, yet we continue to be hard-headed. We have seen what God can do thru our 'cloud of witnesses'. And for those of us who have been walking with him for a long time, we've seen repeatedly what He can do in our own lives. I believe we do this because there is still a little bit of doubt lingering in our minds. We can testify that God has never failed us but when the new situation arises, we don't go to Him with confidence. I also believe we do this because we hate to give up complete control. We say I'm right here. I'm the one actually dealing with the situation. There has to be something I can do to make this go away sooner, rather than later. We are not truly trusting in God. Our internal engine is not running properly. You see, when our internal engine is running properly there is no room for worry or doubt. We can take our hands off the steering wheel and let Jesus drive.
I have a nine year old daughter who wants to grow up so fast. In fact ever since she was born she has done things early. She walked early. She started talking early. She has always been advanced for her age. This past Mother's Day I had a talk with her about enjoying the benefits of being a child. And while I may not have the power that God has, as her mother I am in control of her well-being. She doesn't have to worry about what she will eat, where she will sleep, if she is going to have clean clothes. She can safely trust that I am going to make sure those things are taken care of. Just like our Heavenly Father. He is rock solid. I don't have to worry about what I am going to eat, where I am going to sleep, if this storm will pass. I can safely trust that He will provide and this too shall pass. And because I know this, out of respect and reverence for the One who made all this possible, I thank Him. When He speaks to me, I listen. I may not always like what He is saying but I know that it will benefit me in the end. Just like my daughter, who wants to be grown, she may not understand or even like the things I say to her but out of respect for me as her mother, she listens and obeys. And believe it or not, just as I did, she will thank me one day.
I started this post by saying that there are not too many things that I am 100% sure of. I end this post by saying there is one thing that I am 100% sure of and that is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. And because of this, I honor Him with my life and not a day goes by that I don't thank Him for what He has done, is doing and is going to do in my life. Are you standing on the same solid rock?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being the one thing in my life that I can stand firmly on. When the storms of life are raging, I am so glad I can find safety in Your arms. Knowing that I have built my house on a solid foundation let's me know that I don't have to worry or doubt. I can put all my trust in You. Help me to not only listen and pay attention to Your voice but also to be obedient to Your Word. I know that I can do this with your help. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Read Hebrews 12:25-29. We learn something very important about God in these verses. We have security. We can trust that what God says will come to pass. Living in Oklahoma you don't expect earthquakes. However, a couple of months ago while sitting in my living room, I experienced my first earthquake. This earthquake was not as bad as the ones experienced regularly in California, but it was strong enough to knock a picture off the wall. It was enough to make me a little bit nervous. After it was over I didn't feel so secure. It was nothing like the earthquake that was described in these verses in Hebrews. The one described in Exodus 19:18. The one where God descended upon Mount Sinai to give the law to the children of Israel. And I'm sure it was nothing like the one described in these verses that will happen upon the Lord's return.
Since we know all of this, the question that I pose to you today is then why don't we listen. Why are we not heeding God's warning. We read about what happened to the children of Israel who did not heed the warning and obey the law. While it is clear that we no longer live under the law for we are saved by grace. Nevertheless, we are given clear instructions on how we are supposed to live and what we are supposed to do. All the things that will actually make our life easier, yet we continue to be hard-headed. We have seen what God can do thru our 'cloud of witnesses'. And for those of us who have been walking with him for a long time, we've seen repeatedly what He can do in our own lives. I believe we do this because there is still a little bit of doubt lingering in our minds. We can testify that God has never failed us but when the new situation arises, we don't go to Him with confidence. I also believe we do this because we hate to give up complete control. We say I'm right here. I'm the one actually dealing with the situation. There has to be something I can do to make this go away sooner, rather than later. We are not truly trusting in God. Our internal engine is not running properly. You see, when our internal engine is running properly there is no room for worry or doubt. We can take our hands off the steering wheel and let Jesus drive.
I have a nine year old daughter who wants to grow up so fast. In fact ever since she was born she has done things early. She walked early. She started talking early. She has always been advanced for her age. This past Mother's Day I had a talk with her about enjoying the benefits of being a child. And while I may not have the power that God has, as her mother I am in control of her well-being. She doesn't have to worry about what she will eat, where she will sleep, if she is going to have clean clothes. She can safely trust that I am going to make sure those things are taken care of. Just like our Heavenly Father. He is rock solid. I don't have to worry about what I am going to eat, where I am going to sleep, if this storm will pass. I can safely trust that He will provide and this too shall pass. And because I know this, out of respect and reverence for the One who made all this possible, I thank Him. When He speaks to me, I listen. I may not always like what He is saying but I know that it will benefit me in the end. Just like my daughter, who wants to be grown, she may not understand or even like the things I say to her but out of respect for me as her mother, she listens and obeys. And believe it or not, just as I did, she will thank me one day.
I started this post by saying that there are not too many things that I am 100% sure of. I end this post by saying there is one thing that I am 100% sure of and that is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. And because of this, I honor Him with my life and not a day goes by that I don't thank Him for what He has done, is doing and is going to do in my life. Are you standing on the same solid rock?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being the one thing in my life that I can stand firmly on. When the storms of life are raging, I am so glad I can find safety in Your arms. Knowing that I have built my house on a solid foundation let's me know that I don't have to worry or doubt. I can put all my trust in You. Help me to not only listen and pay attention to Your voice but also to be obedient to Your Word. I know that I can do this with your help. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Our Heavenly Father
As I began to read the next few verses in the twelfth chapter of Hebrews, I became a little frightened. I envisioned a child who had done something terrible and because he knew the rules that his father had set for their home, he was afraid to go home and tell his father. Much like the children of Israel who viewed God more as distant and threatening. Strict and an enforcer. And then as I read a little more I came to a description of the God that we, as believers, have come to know and love, the one who thru Christ Jesus we now can go to for anything. We can confess all our wrong doing. We can go to him when we are scared or afraid. We don't have to be afraid to touch him. In fact, he tells us to hold firmly to him. We are told to come boldly to the the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) What a strong contrast!
Take a moment and read Hebrews 12:18-24. Thank God for the new covenant. The one in which we are no longer condemned under the law but saved by grace. It is nothing we do or can even earn. And because we have accepted him, we now have Jesus as our mediator. Such an awesome thing! We no longer have to be the child who dreaded going to his father to tell him anything. We actually have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. One that grows and grows as we spend more time with him. Another important thing. As you spend more time with him, you become more comfortable with him. You come to learn his mind and you grow to understand that he only wants what's best for you. I recall the time I messed up when I became pregnant with my son. The last person in the world I wanted to tell was my father. I'll never forget the day that I told him. (You see he, too, was a recipient of God's grace) And just like the grace that he himself had received, he accepted me with open arms of love and forgiveness. God does not want us to live in fear when it comes to approaching him. He wants us to bring everything to him. The good, the bad and the ugly. You see, as Christians we are justified, meaning just as if we had never sinned. Justification is instantaneous. The part we have to come to terms with is the sanctification process which is not done by God alone. We play a part in that process. Sanctification comes by God thru the work of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Word. That is why we must continue to grow our relationship with God and not be afraid to go to him with everything. After all, he is the only one who can meet our every need.
Earlier I told you of the story of my father and when I told him I was pregnant with my son. What I didn't tell you was that he already knew. Just like our Heavenly Father who is Omniscient. That means All-Knowing. My father made it a point to know my business, after all I was his daughter. He was just waiting for me to tell him so he could relieve me of the burden I was carrying worrying about his reaction. He knew that I needed to concentrate all my energy to the task at hand, preparing to be a mother. Just like our Heavenly Father wants us to turn everything over to him so that we are free to go about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Living a life free to serve our purpose. For those he predestined, them he also called. And whom He called them He also justified and those He justified, them He also glorified. (Romans 8:30) You see, I didn't tell you the last piece of the puzzle. There's justification and then sanctification. But all this is done so we can get to the glorification. There's a song that says, 'When we gone get to the good part, the good part?" The good part is the glorification. That time that Paul describes as, when the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ shall rise and we will be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye. (I Corinthians 15: 51-52) That's the part I'm looking forward to. What about you?
Dear Lord,
Today I just want to thank you! Thank you for your Son, Jesus, who died on the cross for my sins. He did this so I would no longer have to be afraid to come to you with everything. I thank you because I'm now justified. It wasn't because of anything I did but because you loved me. I'm working on this whole sanctification thing. But what I'm looking forward to is the glorification, the day when I'll get to see you face to face. What a glorious day that will be. All praise, honor and glory be to you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Take a moment and read Hebrews 12:18-24. Thank God for the new covenant. The one in which we are no longer condemned under the law but saved by grace. It is nothing we do or can even earn. And because we have accepted him, we now have Jesus as our mediator. Such an awesome thing! We no longer have to be the child who dreaded going to his father to tell him anything. We actually have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. One that grows and grows as we spend more time with him. Another important thing. As you spend more time with him, you become more comfortable with him. You come to learn his mind and you grow to understand that he only wants what's best for you. I recall the time I messed up when I became pregnant with my son. The last person in the world I wanted to tell was my father. I'll never forget the day that I told him. (You see he, too, was a recipient of God's grace) And just like the grace that he himself had received, he accepted me with open arms of love and forgiveness. God does not want us to live in fear when it comes to approaching him. He wants us to bring everything to him. The good, the bad and the ugly. You see, as Christians we are justified, meaning just as if we had never sinned. Justification is instantaneous. The part we have to come to terms with is the sanctification process which is not done by God alone. We play a part in that process. Sanctification comes by God thru the work of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Word. That is why we must continue to grow our relationship with God and not be afraid to go to him with everything. After all, he is the only one who can meet our every need.
Earlier I told you of the story of my father and when I told him I was pregnant with my son. What I didn't tell you was that he already knew. Just like our Heavenly Father who is Omniscient. That means All-Knowing. My father made it a point to know my business, after all I was his daughter. He was just waiting for me to tell him so he could relieve me of the burden I was carrying worrying about his reaction. He knew that I needed to concentrate all my energy to the task at hand, preparing to be a mother. Just like our Heavenly Father wants us to turn everything over to him so that we are free to go about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Living a life free to serve our purpose. For those he predestined, them he also called. And whom He called them He also justified and those He justified, them He also glorified. (Romans 8:30) You see, I didn't tell you the last piece of the puzzle. There's justification and then sanctification. But all this is done so we can get to the glorification. There's a song that says, 'When we gone get to the good part, the good part?" The good part is the glorification. That time that Paul describes as, when the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ shall rise and we will be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye. (I Corinthians 15: 51-52) That's the part I'm looking forward to. What about you?
Dear Lord,
Today I just want to thank you! Thank you for your Son, Jesus, who died on the cross for my sins. He did this so I would no longer have to be afraid to come to you with everything. I thank you because I'm now justified. It wasn't because of anything I did but because you loved me. I'm working on this whole sanctification thing. But what I'm looking forward to is the glorification, the day when I'll get to see you face to face. What a glorious day that will be. All praise, honor and glory be to you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
It's All About Me...Or Is it?
A few years back the phrase, It's All About Me, became extremely popular. Women who had sacrificed everything they had for family and friends decided that now it was their turn. Men who had spent all their time working eighty hours a week to provide for their families only to come home and feel unappreciated by their wives and children decided not anymore. I'm going to spend time with someone who appreciates me. Women and men alike began to do the things they wanted to do. The things that brought them the most enjoyment. After all, they deserved it, didn't they?
Continuing in the book of Hebrews, read verses 12 - 17 of Chapter 12. Now remember we have already discussed our wall of fame in Chapter 11 and what faith looks like and how it behaves. And then we went on to say Therefore, since we have this wall to look at and learn from then this should be the result. I want to continue on in that same area. Although there will never be another Bible because the one we have is living and powerful and doesn't grow old or stale, my question to you is what is our responsibility for those who come along after us. You see, Jacob had to learn from Isaac and Isaac had to learn from Abraham. Moses had to learn from his mother and so on and so forth. Which lets me know as Christians we have a responsibility as well. For those of you who are parents I know you know what I mean. Our children are our responsibility. They look to us for guidance and to be their example. But even for those of you who do not have children, these verses tell us that we all have a responsibility.
Now that we have knowledge of those who received God's stamp of approval by living a life of faith, we should have hope. Some of you reading this right now may be suffering from spiritual exhaustion. Your mind, body and spirit are tired. Today I encourage you to stand up straight and tall. Set your eyes on the target. Continue to fight the good fight of faith because there are unbelievers and believers alike who are watching you. They are waiting to see what your reaction to what you are facing will be. They are saying if Sister ___________ (fill in your name) can make it or Brother _____________ (fill in your name) is still praising him and I know what is going on in his life than I can too. We are supposed to be holding one another up and truly trying to get along with everyone. You see the phrase should read 'I'm accountable for me' instead of 'It's all about me'. We cannot control another person's actions but we can control how we respond to it. And when we give up our life to reflect that of our Lord and Savior then it 's no longer about us. It is about letting our light shine in a very dark world. Unfortunately, everyone is not going to like everyone but just because someone does not like you, doesn't mean you have to be mean and hateful towards them. From my experience, you can plant seeds of kindness and peace all day long but that one bitter root (or weed) pops up and it grows and spreads like crazy. But if you get our their in that garden and pull the weed up by the root then it doesn't have a chance to grow. How do we remove those roots? By growing the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. I have been guilty of letting my emotions get the best of me and reacting in a way that was not Christ-like and others were watching. I did not do my part in stopping that bitter root from growing. It was definitely all about me that day. But through the Word and prayer and God's discipline I am learning to model the behavior of Christ. Never would I want to be a stumbling block for anyone.
That is my challenge for you today. You have a decision to make. Today, do I stand up straight and tall and get a firm grip on God so that I can run my race, planting seeds of kindness and peace all along my path? Or do I choose to grow bitter roots of selfishness, gossip, hatred, lack of self-control? My prayer is that you choose the first choice. While you are thinking about this I will tell you one thing that I have learned and it was even true for Jesus, the first shall be last and the last will be first. We are on this earth to serve others and bear one another's burdens. Living a clean and holy life will definitely have its reward.
Dear Lord,
Are you really trying to teach me that it's not all about me and that when someone mistreats me or does mean things to me I am supposed to respond in peace? Why does everyone have to be looking at me, after all, I'm human just like them. This is going to be tough for me Father. Please help me. I know that I cannot do this by myself. Thank you for showing me the right way to behave and I reaffirm my commitment to your way. I'm going to stand strong and firm and continue to run my race with my eyes fixed on you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Continuing in the book of Hebrews, read verses 12 - 17 of Chapter 12. Now remember we have already discussed our wall of fame in Chapter 11 and what faith looks like and how it behaves. And then we went on to say Therefore, since we have this wall to look at and learn from then this should be the result. I want to continue on in that same area. Although there will never be another Bible because the one we have is living and powerful and doesn't grow old or stale, my question to you is what is our responsibility for those who come along after us. You see, Jacob had to learn from Isaac and Isaac had to learn from Abraham. Moses had to learn from his mother and so on and so forth. Which lets me know as Christians we have a responsibility as well. For those of you who are parents I know you know what I mean. Our children are our responsibility. They look to us for guidance and to be their example. But even for those of you who do not have children, these verses tell us that we all have a responsibility.
Now that we have knowledge of those who received God's stamp of approval by living a life of faith, we should have hope. Some of you reading this right now may be suffering from spiritual exhaustion. Your mind, body and spirit are tired. Today I encourage you to stand up straight and tall. Set your eyes on the target. Continue to fight the good fight of faith because there are unbelievers and believers alike who are watching you. They are waiting to see what your reaction to what you are facing will be. They are saying if Sister ___________ (fill in your name) can make it or Brother _____________ (fill in your name) is still praising him and I know what is going on in his life than I can too. We are supposed to be holding one another up and truly trying to get along with everyone. You see the phrase should read 'I'm accountable for me' instead of 'It's all about me'. We cannot control another person's actions but we can control how we respond to it. And when we give up our life to reflect that of our Lord and Savior then it 's no longer about us. It is about letting our light shine in a very dark world. Unfortunately, everyone is not going to like everyone but just because someone does not like you, doesn't mean you have to be mean and hateful towards them. From my experience, you can plant seeds of kindness and peace all day long but that one bitter root (or weed) pops up and it grows and spreads like crazy. But if you get our their in that garden and pull the weed up by the root then it doesn't have a chance to grow. How do we remove those roots? By growing the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. I have been guilty of letting my emotions get the best of me and reacting in a way that was not Christ-like and others were watching. I did not do my part in stopping that bitter root from growing. It was definitely all about me that day. But through the Word and prayer and God's discipline I am learning to model the behavior of Christ. Never would I want to be a stumbling block for anyone.
That is my challenge for you today. You have a decision to make. Today, do I stand up straight and tall and get a firm grip on God so that I can run my race, planting seeds of kindness and peace all along my path? Or do I choose to grow bitter roots of selfishness, gossip, hatred, lack of self-control? My prayer is that you choose the first choice. While you are thinking about this I will tell you one thing that I have learned and it was even true for Jesus, the first shall be last and the last will be first. We are on this earth to serve others and bear one another's burdens. Living a clean and holy life will definitely have its reward.
Dear Lord,
Are you really trying to teach me that it's not all about me and that when someone mistreats me or does mean things to me I am supposed to respond in peace? Why does everyone have to be looking at me, after all, I'm human just like them. This is going to be tough for me Father. Please help me. I know that I cannot do this by myself. Thank you for showing me the right way to behave and I reaffirm my commitment to your way. I'm going to stand strong and firm and continue to run my race with my eyes fixed on you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Only Because I Love You
How many of you can remember your parents saying these words - 'I'm only doing this because I love you'. And right after they said these words you got a spanking, they grounded you for a week, they took the car keys. They may have told you that you couldn't go to that party or they withheld your allowance. I'm sure you have your own stories that you could contribute at this moment. Now that you are an adult, have you stopped to think about what the purpose was for the discipline. And even to take it a step further, have you thanked them for the discipline you received. I know that sounds kind of strange. But if you really think about it they are the ones responsible for making you the person you are today.
For the past few days we have been in the book of Hebrews and we will continue there today. Read Hebrews 12:5-11. Pay close attention to verses 5 -6 My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Sound familiar. These words have a striking resemblance to the words I started with at the beginning of the post. 'I'm doing this because I love you'.
The writer begins these verses with an endearing statement, showing ownership - My child. But then he says two just as important words, 'don't ignore'. That means pay attention. I'm not just disciplining you for the heck of it, there is a purpose behind it. Which let's me know that when God disciplines you, TAKE NOTICE. Take the time to ask him what is the purpose for this discipline. Discipline in its truest sense has two different meanings. The one that probably comes to your minds first is punishment. I want to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of automatically thinking punishment, let's look at it from the area of child development. In child development, discipline refers to methods of modeling character and developing self-control and acceptable behavior. God's discipline serves a greater purpose than the pain that you feel in the moment it takes place. He is working to shape you into the man or woman he wants you to be. He is teaching you self-control against those fits of road rage and co-workers who don't do any work. He is causing that cell phone not to work so he can have some quiet time with you. Just like when I tell my daughters that they are to clean their room everyday and they think mama's being mean, I'm teaching them acceptable behavior. You see, I know that if you develop a habit of being messy it will overflow into other areas of your life.
When God disciplines you he is trying to develop you to become more like him. Think about this. If he didn't care, why would he bother. He would just leave you to your own devices and let you run wild. But because you are his child, he cares enough to tell you when you are doing wrong. Not only does he tell you but he sometimes withholds, chastises, spanks. My challenge for you today is the next time you are experiencing the discipline of the Lord, instead of complaining, whining and getting mad about it, take a step back. Ask God what is the purpose for the discipline. Did the discipline prevent something from happening? As a mother, I know that my discipline is out of love. I see the things I want my children to avoid and I also know a little bit about acceptable behavior. I can only see with human eyes. Our Heavenly Father sees with spiritual eyes and knows the plan he has for each of us. Why not become more accepting of his discipline?
Dear Lord,
I didn't like to be disciplined as a child and really have not handled the discipline I have received from you in the best way that I could. It just seems so unfair at the time. I know that I am not always right. Temptation is present all around me. Help me to understand that only you can see down the road. And when I can't see the purpose, let me come to you and ask what your purpose is. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
For the past few days we have been in the book of Hebrews and we will continue there today. Read Hebrews 12:5-11. Pay close attention to verses 5 -6 My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Sound familiar. These words have a striking resemblance to the words I started with at the beginning of the post. 'I'm doing this because I love you'.
The writer begins these verses with an endearing statement, showing ownership - My child. But then he says two just as important words, 'don't ignore'. That means pay attention. I'm not just disciplining you for the heck of it, there is a purpose behind it. Which let's me know that when God disciplines you, TAKE NOTICE. Take the time to ask him what is the purpose for this discipline. Discipline in its truest sense has two different meanings. The one that probably comes to your minds first is punishment. I want to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of automatically thinking punishment, let's look at it from the area of child development. In child development, discipline refers to methods of modeling character and developing self-control and acceptable behavior. God's discipline serves a greater purpose than the pain that you feel in the moment it takes place. He is working to shape you into the man or woman he wants you to be. He is teaching you self-control against those fits of road rage and co-workers who don't do any work. He is causing that cell phone not to work so he can have some quiet time with you. Just like when I tell my daughters that they are to clean their room everyday and they think mama's being mean, I'm teaching them acceptable behavior. You see, I know that if you develop a habit of being messy it will overflow into other areas of your life.
When God disciplines you he is trying to develop you to become more like him. Think about this. If he didn't care, why would he bother. He would just leave you to your own devices and let you run wild. But because you are his child, he cares enough to tell you when you are doing wrong. Not only does he tell you but he sometimes withholds, chastises, spanks. My challenge for you today is the next time you are experiencing the discipline of the Lord, instead of complaining, whining and getting mad about it, take a step back. Ask God what is the purpose for the discipline. Did the discipline prevent something from happening? As a mother, I know that my discipline is out of love. I see the things I want my children to avoid and I also know a little bit about acceptable behavior. I can only see with human eyes. Our Heavenly Father sees with spiritual eyes and knows the plan he has for each of us. Why not become more accepting of his discipline?
Dear Lord,
I didn't like to be disciplined as a child and really have not handled the discipline I have received from you in the best way that I could. It just seems so unfair at the time. I know that I am not always right. Temptation is present all around me. Help me to understand that only you can see down the road. And when I can't see the purpose, let me come to you and ask what your purpose is. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Therefore
Yesterday I wrote about faith being the believer's internal engine. Today I want to continue to talk about that faith and move to Hebrews 12:1-4.
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.'
Would you agree with me that life is a race? This race is not a sprint. It's a marathon. This passage begins with the word, therefore. One of the things my Pastor helped to show me was the importance of word study. So I decided to dig a little deeper as to why this particular word. Why not and or but or however. Why the word, therefore. Therefore is a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs show cause and effect or sequence. It draws a logical conclusion. In other words, because of what was previously stated this is the logical action that should be taken. The before statement was Hebrews Chapter 11. In that chapter, the author gives us Cliffs Notes of what faith is and how it behaves. We are given a list of those who came before us and how they demonstrated their faith. It was indeed their internal engine. So therefore, because of this, here is what we should do to run our race to the end.
First we must strip off every weight that slows us down. You do realize the lighter you are the better you run. (Notice I didn't say the faster you run - remember marathon, not sprint.) What is this weight the writer is talking about? Hmmmmm. I can only use examples in my life and maybe some of these you can relate to. Things like doubt, fear, friends who don't mean you any good, Bubba, Shante', a stressful job, your cell phone, your computer. Other things like alcohol, cigarettes, premarital sex. Those things that tempt you and hinder your race. We know that sin can be a struggle. That is why we must confess our sins to the one who is faithful to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession represents laying down that weight. (I do understand that some of you may not be ready to lay down that weight for whatever reason but don't be alarmed at how much more difficult your race may be.)
Even the writer understood that this may be a difficult task because you have become accustomed to that weight. So he went on to tell us what we must do next in order to rid ourselves of that weight. Secondly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. You see, your faith did not begin before you accepted Christ and it won't end until we meet him in glory. (Had to pause for a second at just the thought of that - what a wonderful day that will be!) Remember Peter who walked on the water. Wasn't that an amazing thing to do? It was a part of his race and he was able to do so because he had faith. Do you remember what happened when he took his eyes off Jesus? He begin to sink. Some authors speculate that he took his eyes off Jesus because he wanted every body to look at what he was doing instead of seeing Jesus thru him. Whatever the case may be, one thing we know for sure is that he begin to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. See when you are looking ahead to the one who is able to make all things possible, the one who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever imagine or think, the one who died on the cross for our sins because he loved us so much, it makes the task a little easier. Which brings us back to faith - our internal engine.
Think we me for a second and let's use our sanctified imagination. Jesus, who left glory, a place where the streets are paved with gold. A place where he had a mansion and the angels praised and worshiped him all day, every day. He left all that to die for my sins. And then he leaves me a record in the Bible of those I can look to as witnesses, made of the very same make and model as me. There was no need for an upgrade or a better version. He also gave me the Holy Spirit to dwell inside me, who prays for me when I can't find the word to say. Do you think a God who has already shown so much compassion and an unconditional love would want me to fail? Instead wouldn't it make more since that he is rooting for me to win. And then he gave us our own set of cheerleaders to cheer us on to victory. Let me name them for you again. Abel. Abraham. Sarah. Isaac. Jacob. Joseph. Moses. Rahab. Gideon. Barak. Samson. Jephthah. David. Samuel. They are all cheering you on. Telling you that you can do it! Keep running! When you start to get a little weary they are there with your water bottle and a towel to wipe the sweat. Chanting....DON"T GIVE UP! DON'T GIVE UP! And that is what I am saying to you today. When you grow tired and weary and feel like you can't go on, remember THEREFORE. Think about those who came before you. They made it and so can you.
Dear Lord,
I want to first start by saying thank you. Thank you for giving me your word that I can go to when I'm feeling discouraged. I can go to it when I'm feeling tired. I can feed off those whom you have given your approval for encouragement. I know I haven't always kept my eyes focused on you. I have had many distractions. Today I want to start anew. Help me to stay focused on you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.'
Would you agree with me that life is a race? This race is not a sprint. It's a marathon. This passage begins with the word, therefore. One of the things my Pastor helped to show me was the importance of word study. So I decided to dig a little deeper as to why this particular word. Why not and or but or however. Why the word, therefore. Therefore is a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs show cause and effect or sequence. It draws a logical conclusion. In other words, because of what was previously stated this is the logical action that should be taken. The before statement was Hebrews Chapter 11. In that chapter, the author gives us Cliffs Notes of what faith is and how it behaves. We are given a list of those who came before us and how they demonstrated their faith. It was indeed their internal engine. So therefore, because of this, here is what we should do to run our race to the end.
First we must strip off every weight that slows us down. You do realize the lighter you are the better you run. (Notice I didn't say the faster you run - remember marathon, not sprint.) What is this weight the writer is talking about? Hmmmmm. I can only use examples in my life and maybe some of these you can relate to. Things like doubt, fear, friends who don't mean you any good, Bubba, Shante', a stressful job, your cell phone, your computer. Other things like alcohol, cigarettes, premarital sex. Those things that tempt you and hinder your race. We know that sin can be a struggle. That is why we must confess our sins to the one who is faithful to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession represents laying down that weight. (I do understand that some of you may not be ready to lay down that weight for whatever reason but don't be alarmed at how much more difficult your race may be.)
Even the writer understood that this may be a difficult task because you have become accustomed to that weight. So he went on to tell us what we must do next in order to rid ourselves of that weight. Secondly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. You see, your faith did not begin before you accepted Christ and it won't end until we meet him in glory. (Had to pause for a second at just the thought of that - what a wonderful day that will be!) Remember Peter who walked on the water. Wasn't that an amazing thing to do? It was a part of his race and he was able to do so because he had faith. Do you remember what happened when he took his eyes off Jesus? He begin to sink. Some authors speculate that he took his eyes off Jesus because he wanted every body to look at what he was doing instead of seeing Jesus thru him. Whatever the case may be, one thing we know for sure is that he begin to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. See when you are looking ahead to the one who is able to make all things possible, the one who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever imagine or think, the one who died on the cross for our sins because he loved us so much, it makes the task a little easier. Which brings us back to faith - our internal engine.
Think we me for a second and let's use our sanctified imagination. Jesus, who left glory, a place where the streets are paved with gold. A place where he had a mansion and the angels praised and worshiped him all day, every day. He left all that to die for my sins. And then he leaves me a record in the Bible of those I can look to as witnesses, made of the very same make and model as me. There was no need for an upgrade or a better version. He also gave me the Holy Spirit to dwell inside me, who prays for me when I can't find the word to say. Do you think a God who has already shown so much compassion and an unconditional love would want me to fail? Instead wouldn't it make more since that he is rooting for me to win. And then he gave us our own set of cheerleaders to cheer us on to victory. Let me name them for you again. Abel. Abraham. Sarah. Isaac. Jacob. Joseph. Moses. Rahab. Gideon. Barak. Samson. Jephthah. David. Samuel. They are all cheering you on. Telling you that you can do it! Keep running! When you start to get a little weary they are there with your water bottle and a towel to wipe the sweat. Chanting....DON"T GIVE UP! DON'T GIVE UP! And that is what I am saying to you today. When you grow tired and weary and feel like you can't go on, remember THEREFORE. Think about those who came before you. They made it and so can you.
Dear Lord,
I want to first start by saying thank you. Thank you for giving me your word that I can go to when I'm feeling discouraged. I can go to it when I'm feeling tired. I can feed off those whom you have given your approval for encouragement. I know I haven't always kept my eyes focused on you. I have had many distractions. Today I want to start anew. Help me to stay focused on you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.
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